Word Direct Answers

What does "flute" mean?

Flute: (Arch.) A channel of curved section; -- usually applied to one of a vertical series of such channels used to decorate columns and pilasters in classical architecture. See Illust. under Base, n.

Additional senses

  1. 2.A similar channel or groove made in wood or other material, esp. in plaited cloth, as in a lady's ruffle.
  2. 3.A long French breakfast roll. Simonds.
  3. 4.A stop in an organ, having a flutelike sound. Flute bit, a boring tool for piercing ebony, rosewood, and other hard woods. -- Flute pipe, an organ pipe having a sharp lip or wind-cutter which imparts vibrations to Knight.
  4. 5.A kindof flyboat; a storeship. Armed en flûte ( (Nav.), partially armed.
  5. 6.To play on, or as on, a flute; to make a flutelike sound.
  6. 7.To play, whistle, or sing with a clear, soft note, like that of a flute. Knaves are men, That lute and flute fantastic tenderness. Tennyson. The redwing flutes his o-ka-lee. Emerson.
  7. 8.To form flutes or channels in, as in a column, a ruffle, etc.

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